At first when I started looking into rumors about Dow Constantine's campaign and alleged campaign finance violations, I was a bit intimidated. Campaign finance laws are complicated and not nearly as metro-cool as scandals involving sexual escapades with interns. Not to mention, the Seattle liberal political machine is very well oiled with lawyers and elitist urbanites that could easily out maneuver little ole me (a political junkie, housewife, homeschooling mom that likes to blog).

So, I happily broke the story back on September 8th and waited for the feeding frenzy to ensue. Certainly Keith Ervin of the Seattle Times (in this story) would realize that he missed a big story by glossing over the fact that Jason Bennett, founder of Argo Strategies, a political consulting firm, was doubling his duty to Dow Constantine in soft money circles as well as serving in the hard money world as campaign treasurer.

Not only did it not really get a response, but when prodded by others, the Seattle Times just shrugged off the story. My e-mails from citizens told a different story. "This is as corrupt as it gets," was one sentiment.

What bothered me more was the sense of resignation I got from people. "Things will never change in this town. We'll always be stuck with liberals because they can do no wrong." I started getting more details offered to me by  frustrated people who work closer to the inner circle of politics.

I decided to file a complaint with the Public Disclosure Commission today. I gave  my kid some busy work with her spanish lesson, while we high-tailed it to Olympia to deliver my evidence in person.

The local media seems reluctant to pursue blatant disregard for the law by their own Seattle homeboys. Perhaps that's why the political progressive class in this city has presumed itself bullet-proof. How else do you explain two media consulting firms who specialize in political advertising (meaning that they are well versed in campaign finance law and clearly know what they are doing), having the audacity to share an office suite?

One of my friends ran up to Fremont to snap a picture of their office shingles and there it is in digital color (below)....as proud as two peacocks: Soft Money Media Firm (Moxie Media) sleeping with a Hard Money Media (Northwest Passage) firm. Naturally the offices are in the same vicinity as the famous Fremont Lenin statue. An appropriate emblem for people who have no shame and expect that the law applies to everyone else.

Northwest Passage, founded by Christian Sindermen, is the consulting firm hired by the Constantine campaign. Sinderman is also named a "Partner and Principal" of Moxie Media, which was hired by several poliical action committees (including SEIU, WEA, Planned Parenthood, among others) during the primary campaign to print up and deliver attack ads against Constantine's opponents.

I'll keep you posted on what I hear from the PDC. Also, look for more pictures and scanned images of the evidence coming soon.